Emergency services at the scene of a suspected gas explosion in the Shaw area of Oldham

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ONE man suffered severe burns and others are feared to be trapped after a number of homes were damaged in a suspected gas explosion today.

Emergency services are at the scene of the “very serious” incident, which is believed to involve a number of terrace properties in the Shaw area of Oldham.

A spokeswoman for the North West Ambulance Service said one patient had been taken by helicopter to Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester with 80% burns.

“We are currently assessing the scene and working closely with other members of the emergency services, with our priority being to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible,” she said.

“Our primary role is to assess the level and nature of injuries and ensure that those people most in need are treated first and taken to hospital.

“At this stage, we can confirm that we have taken one patient to Wythenshawe Hospital with 80% burns.”

Follow the live blog below, for live updates from the scene.

Steve McGuirk, chief fire officer for Greater Manchester, said in a tweet: “Just had an update on the incident in Oldham - very serious, we have crews and search and rescue teams on scene working hard.”

Police said the emergency services were alerted shortly after 11.15am.

A statement on the Greater Manchester Police website said: “Emergency services are at the scene following a large explosion in the Shaw area of Oldham.

“Shortly after 11.15am today, police were called to Shaw following a report that homes had been seriously damaged in a large explosion.

“Police, fire and ambulance services are at the scene and a cordon is being put in place.

“At this stage there are no confirmed details on casualties or the number of homes damaged.

“More information will be released when it becomes available.”

Superintendent Neil Evans of GMP said: “This is an ongoing search and rescue effort and we are offering our full support to the fire and other emergency services.

“Our main and immediate focus right now is to assist in ensuring those injured in the explosion get any medical assistance that they need.

“It is unclear how many people may have been caught up in this incident or what the cause is and as soon as we have any new information we will let people know.

“To speculate at this stage would not be helpful to those involved in the incident itself or the rescue effort.”